Cup exit: Halle can't spoil Wagner's debut

Despite a courageous performance, Hallescher FC were unable to spoil Sandro Wagner's debut as head coach at FC Augsburg. In a thrilling cup match, the regional league club put up energetic resistance to the Bundesliga club. But in the end, coach Robert Schröder's team was unlucky. The cup dream is over again for Halle after the 0:2 (0:0) after the first round.

"From my point of view, you couldn't tell the difference between the regional league and the Bundesliga at times. We had two or three really clear chances and with more luck and composure in front of goal, we could have made it 1-0," said Schröder, analyzing the match.

But things turned out differently for the cup winners from Saxony-Anhalt. Steve Mounié (52nd minute) redeemed Augsburg with his goal in front of 14,000 spectators against the courageous fourth division club. Samuel Essende (79') made everything clear with the second FCA goal.

The pyro fog from the Halle block had not yet cleared when Mounié (1st minute) had a great chance to take an early lead. This would certainly have calmed Wagner's nerves. The former assistant to national team coach Julian Nagelsmann bounced around his coaching zone like he was on fire. He repeatedly gave loud instructions to his players and his hands kept going up for applause.

However, this could only be a sign of encouragement and not praise. Despite their superiority in terms of play, the Bundesliga club's performance was not compelling. On the contrary: Halle played courageously and had chances. "It was a brutal atmosphere. It put my team under pressure," said Schröder, praising the crowd.

Augsburg goalkeeper prevents Halle from taking the lead

Goalkeeper Finn Dahmen (11th/13th) made quick saves against HFC attackers Malek Fakhro and Serhat Polat. Later, Dahmen (43) had the presence of mind to save from Julien Damelang with a header from outside his penalty area. Those were the chances that Schröder regretted. Augsburg made the most of a good chance after the break through Mounié.

The scene annoyed Schröder. He complained loudly and was shown a yellow card. His assistant Sascha Prüfer was even sent to the stands with a red card. But Halle did not let up and could have turned the game around again with more calm finishing. After a counter-attack, substitute Essende made everything clear with his goal. The HFC fans nevertheless celebrated their team for a courageous performance.